The Site, located at over 2,000 metres altitude on the Steenkampsberg Plateau, consists of permanent freshwater wetlands including springs and seeps, rivers, channeled and unchanneled valley bottoms, and floodplains. These wetland types are characteristic ecosystems of this bioregion, and they help preserve the genetic and ecological diversity of the vulnerable Steenkampsberg montane grassland vegetation. Some of the valley bottom wetlands contain peat, which is rare in the region. The Reserve supports numerous protected, threatened and endemic species, such as wild orchids, two rare and endemic butterflies, one mammal and 12 birds. Notably, the critically endangered white winged flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) and the vulnerable wattled crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) breed on the Site. It is part of an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) and is home to species such as the marsh owl (Asio capensis) and the African grass owl (Tyto capensis), which depend on the unique habitat found there. Located in the Mpumalanga Drakensberg Strategic Water Source Area, the Reserve is a crucial source of clean water for downstream ecosystems and water users, and it is an important hub for research, awareness raising, and education.